Canadians are supporting local small businesses and believe they are one of the main drivers of their nation's economy, according to recent research from the Royal Bank of Canada.

Small businesses in Canada should work to take advantage of the support they are receiving. The survey found 61 percent of respondents said they would pay more for a product or service to help a small business in their community. One way Toronto residents can support local firms is by seeking out Toronto self storage for when they need more room to store their belongings.

"This type of consumer insight can help small businesses find the success they're seeking," said Mike Michell, national director of Small Business for RBC. "For example, small businesses should capitalize on local support by becoming more active in their community, highlighting their local roots and asking their best customers to promote them."

Businesses that are receiving support from local Canadians should ask for their customers to tell their friends and family about their products and services. According to the survey, 73 percent of respondents said said word-of-mouth referrals played a role when they were deciding between a few different businesses.

Self storage can be a smart way to hang on to valuable items without taking up room in a house or apartment. For Toronto storage solutions, there's no better than Jiffy Self Storage. Those interested in self storage should check out the affordable rates on Jiffy's website, where they can also enter to win a free iPad 3.